County: Antrim

Genre: Punk

Decades Active: 1980s

About Big Self

Released several singles on independent labels over this period most notably the excellent Surprise Surprise+Stateless album on Reekus.

Big Self were formed in Belfast and were part of the melodic rock movement that emerged in the aftermath of the punk explosion. They formed in 1980 as a three piece, the early line up of Bernard Tohill, Patrick Sheeran and Michael Morris was soon expanded with the addition of Jim Nicholl. Big Self's early sound was influenced by their love of reggae, which led to them to the Reekus Records camp through a string of guest spots on Reekus promoted reggae tours. The band's career quickly picked up momentum with several music magazines including Melody Maker and Sounds, picking their tracks as singles of the week. Sounds named the band's second single "Don't Turn Around" single of the year in 1982. The band developed a devoted following through their live shows and toured alongside acts such as The Beat and U2.

In 1983, they moved to London hoping to improve their prospects of success, returning to Ireland in the winter of 1983/4 to record their debut album, Stateless, with Richard Mainwaring producing. The first single from the album, "Ghostshirts", was critically acclaimed by the leading music press, including NME, Melody Maker and Sounds; but the 18-month delay in releasing their album did not help. The line-up expanded to a six-piece with the addition of Owen Howell (previously drummer with Belfast band Stage B) on percussion, but then drummer Michael Morris returned to live in Belfast, and soon after saxophonist Gordy Blair left to join Australian band Dave Graney and the Rattlesnakes. Big Self's final gig was as a four-piece at the Irish concert Self Aid.